At nearly two years old, Gordon has survived an upbringing against the odds to finally find his forever home, highlighting the vital role of RSCPA Queensland.
The 50-kilogram English Mastiff Mix was found on a Mackay property with his mum emaciated and suffering from extensive flea burn.
He was put into the care of RSPCA Queensland where his life completely changed.
Gordon received vet treatments, nutrition plans and physical rehabilitation, and it wasn’t long before he found his forever home with his adoring parent Jenna Denkewitz.
Ms Denkewitz has been a volunteer at RSPCA Mackay for over a year.
“My fiancé and I were looking at adopting a medium-sized dog and fell in love with him and that’s been our family ever since,” she said.
Ms Denkewitz said Gordon was a completely different dog when she came into her care.
“(Gordon was) skin and bone, he needed a lot of TLC and a lot of fattening up,” she said.
“He’s calmed down a lot now that he’s out of the puppy phase and he’s learnt how to be a real dog.
“He’s still a big personality, that’s never going to change.”
Without the RSPCA, Gordon’s life could have looked a lot different.
“He wasn’t looked after, and he wasn’t loved,” said Ms Denkewitz.
“It is heartbreaking but (good) knowing that the dogs are brought in here to the RSPCA and given a whole new lease of life.”
As the rising cost of living sees a decrease in adoptions and increase in people applying to surrender their animals to RSPCA Queensland, the animal welfare charity is now as busy as ever.
There are currently over 50 animals in the care of RSPCA Mackay and associated foster carers.
“We’ve had about 30 puppies come into care due to surrenderings or situations,” said RSPCA Mackay Animal Attendant Jacqueline Smith.
“It’s just springtime so they seem to pop up around this time.”
It’s not all bad, though, with 51 animals being adopted from RSPCA Mackay over the last month.
“We have so many more puppies needing homes,” Ms Smith said.
Last Thursday, October 6, RSPCA Queensland held annual Give to Get Them Home appeal with all donations doubled by the organisation’s generous sponsors.
Funds raised assist RSPCA Queensland in providing life-changing care to the thousands of homeless animals that come through their doors each year including vital veterinary care, behavioural support and costs associated with microchipping, vaccination and desexing.
People are also urged to visit RSPCA Mackay if they are considering adopting a new pet.
“I’ve always been for adopting a dog or a cat or any animal rather than going to a breeder because I know that they need more help than any other animal out there,” said Ms Denkewitz.
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